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JaMarcus Russell as back up?

The former Oakland Raiders quarterback, who hasn't taken a single NFL snap since 2009, told Yahoo! Sports he's dropped from 320 pounds to 308 pounds and is ready to bury past criticisms.

"The last few years, the things going through my life, football is my job and it is how it feeds my family," he said. "People would say (that) I didn't love the game but that pisses me off. People don't know the real you but I want people to know the real me and see what I can do. People are always saying that I'm a bust. I want show them I'm not. I'm committed to this now."

According to the report, Russell will work out with a bevy of former NFL players, including NFL Network's Marshall Faulk, ex-quarterback Jeff Garcia and former Olympic track star Ato Boldon.

The 27-year-old hasn't sniffed the NFL since getting tryouts with the Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins in 2010, after he was arrested for possessing codeine syrup without a prescription. But he says he's ready to change the perception.

"I'm not looking for a pat on the shoulder from people who haven't been there for me," Russell said. "It feels funny not to go through a training camp, that's just what I'm used to. It's going to feel good to go back out there again. I will make this happen."

His biggest challenge will be to convince a team to give him a chance.

Would you even give him a chance? He's CAN'T be looking for a starting job, and may come cheap as a back up QB. I strongly lean towards no, but that's mostly because of his past. A workout wouldn't hurt I suppose, maybe he really is trying to change. Who know. What would you do?

he throws one of the most beautiful passes and has a huge arm....but his drug problems will stop the steelers from even looking

He does, i always thought a east coast system would fit his talents better anyways,it would be nice, but like K said if the Steeler don't feel good about where he is in his drug problems they won't waste there time...

"Today, I'm officially retiring a Pittsburgh Steeler. And as much as I will miss football, my teammates, coaches and everything about the game, I don't want to play it in any other uniform. The black and gold runs deep in me, and I will remain a Steeler for life."--Hines Ward